Local Country Gospel artists, Mike and Doris Merritt are no strangers to the spotlight but their recent trip to West Plains, Missouri for the International Country Gospel Music Association Awards left them speechless…literally.
Only five years after releasing their album, Detours, Mike and Doris were recently recognized at the ICGMA Awards, held July 19th – 21st, for their outstanding achievement and distinguished service in the Christian Music Industry by being inducted into the ICGMA Hall Of Fame.
“It was the last award of the night and no one knows who is nominated,” said Mike. “The Board of Directors select two artists/groups each year.”
Mike and Doris had no idea they were even being considered let alone a recipient of the award.
“I couldn’t get up and Doris couldn’t talk,” laughed Mike. “It took us back. But it’s very humbling because there are some very talented artists who are in the Hall of Fame and we were inducted into a pretty strong group of members.”
This year was the 62nd year of the award and the couple joined the likes of Chuckwagon Gang, Kenny Henson, Isaacs, Billy Walker, Barbara Fairchild, Doug DeRamus, Joe Paul Nichols, Joe Price, Porter Wagner, The Jordanaires, Joan Cash (Johnny Cash‘s sister), Dr. Harry Yates, Jimmy Snow (Hank Snow’s son), Bruce Haynes, Del Way and Chuck Hancock.
“I was speechless,” said Doris. “We have won several awards in the past and are always very humbled to win anything but this was just so unexpected and oh my, it’s just amazing.”
Mike and Doris originally recorded the album after multiple requests from friends and church members.
“It’s just wild because it’s really an album we did for the people asking us for a CD,” said Mike. “People kept asking and from there it went to multiple awards and now induction – it’s still mind-blowing.”
Congratulations Mike and Doris.
Hear Mike and Doris on the Detours Show each Sunday on KFYN 104.3FM The River from 7-9 a.m. and again from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Visit their website http://merrittcowboyministries.com/
